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Known as the Gateway to the National Seashore, over one-third of the town of Eastham is protected from development because it falls within the Cape Cod National Seashore. It's a town steeped in history and overflowing with marshes, kettle ponds, bogs, forests and beautiful beaches.

Cape Cod National Seashore

The town of Eastham is the first after the Orleans rotary, those unique traffic configurations that actually do work provided that you know your way around them- unfortunately, most drivers don't so at times, it can be a frightening free-for-all for the uninitiated. (Michael is British, birthplace of the "round-about" and I learned how to navigate their monstrous roads while living there- I figure if I can drive in London and Costa Rica- I can drive anywhere)

Once you pass the rotary, Route 6 opens up to a two-lane highway and take note that speeding, although tempting when the roads aren’t busy, is not a good idea. There are plenty of traffic signs warning drivers to keep to the posted speed limits and I have passed several drivers written up for speeding. And a ticket is not a souvenir that you want to bring home.

The bay side First Encounter Beach was the first site that the Pilgrims and Native Americans ‘encountered’ one another in 1620 (arrows were slung, muskets were fired) and is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset. Bring a blanket and settle in for a delightful end to the day. Like all beaches on Cape Cod, First Encounter does get a bit chilly so be sure to pack a sweatshirt…just in case. Because the water here is warm and at low tide, the tidal flats run for nearly a mile, it is a gathering spot for young families seeking the safety and comfort of a warm, shallow beach.

Nauset Light Beach is on the ocean side and is backed by the trademark steep sand dunes of the National Seashore. A long stairway brings you down to the beach so if you have trouble negotiating stairs, this would not be the best choice. The water here is chilly but that backdrop of the looming dunes is spectacular.

The Salt Pond Visitor’s Center is located in Eastham and is a great place to learn about the National Seashore.